As reported by Jason La Canfora of NFLNetwork originally, and on profootballtalk.com, the Steelers placed the tag on Woodley on Friday.

Woodley previously stated that he would welcome the franchise tag, and the roughly $13 million guaranteed salary that comes with it, once it is signed.

The former Michigan star has proven to be part of the future at linebacker for Pittsburgh. Woodley is younger than James Harrison and his numbers are already similar to the four-time Pro Bowler's.

Woodley set an NFL record by recording at least one sack in each of his seven career playoff games. He's tallied 11 total during those seven contests.

The Steelers will likely want to sign Woodley to a long-term contract, but the one-year deal was the only way to guarantee he would be back in Black and Gold next season.

There is still uncertainty as to whether the franchise designation will be allowed under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that is yet to be settled. But with some of the biggest names in the NFL now currently carrying the "franchise" designation, I find it impossible to believe the owners will allow a new CBA without the tag's availability.